Evaluating Markers for Treatment Selection Based on Survival Time

For many medical conditions there are several treatment options available to patients. We consider evaluating markers based on a simple treatment selection policy that incorporates information on the patient\u27s marker value exceeding a threshold. Although traditional regression methods may assess the effect of the marker and treatment on outcomes, it is appealing to quantify more directly the potential impact on the population of using the marker to select treatment. A useful tool is the selection impact (SI) curve proposed by Song and Pepe (2004, \textit{Biometrics} \textbf{60}, 874--883) for binary outcomes. However, this approach does not deal with continuous outcomes, nor does it adjust for other covariates that are important for treatment selection. In this paper, we propose the SI curve for general outcomes, with specific focus on the survival time. We further propose the covariate specific SI curve to incorporate covariate information in treatment selection. Nonparametric and semiparametric estimators are developed accordingly. We show that the proposed estimators are consistent and asymptotically normal. Simulation studies demonstrate that these estimators work well with realistic sample sizes. We illustrate the SI curve and the statistical inference for it with data from an AIDS clinical trial

Futurecasting ecological research: the rise of technoecology

Increasingly complex research questions and global challenges (e.g., climate change and biodiversity loss) are driving rapid development, refinement, and uses of technology in ecology. This trend is spawning a distinct sub‐discipline, here termed “technoecology.” We highlight recent ground‐breaking and transformative technological advances for studying species and environments: bio‐batteries, low‐power and long‐range telemetry, the Internet of things, swarm theory, 3D printing, mapping molecular movement, and low‐power computers. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize ecology by providing “next‐generation” ecological data, particularly when integrated with each other, and in doing so could be applied to address a diverse range of requirements (e.g., pest and wildlife management, informing environmental policy and decision making). Critical to technoecology\u27s rate of advancement and uptake by ecologists and environmental managers will be fostering increased interdisciplinary collaboration. Ideally, such partnerships will span the conception, implementation, and enhancement phases of ideas, bridging the university, public, and private sectors

Mystery - and maybe danger - in the air. by Philip Elmer-Dewitt

A government review heightens concern about hazards of the electronic age

Battle for the soul of the INTERNET. by Philip Elmer-Dewitt

The world's largest computer network, once the playground of scientists, hackers and gearheads, is being overrun by lawyers, merchants and millions on new users. Is there room for everyone

Summit to save the earth. by Philip Elmer-Dewitt

What kind of planet will our children inherit? Will they have room to roam, air to breathe and food to eat? The answer is not certain, but there is some hope